General MOC FAQs

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Overview

I am having difficulty navigating my ABP Portfolio. Where can I find help?

Specific areas of the ABP Portfolio have been redesigned to help diplomates better understand and continuously progress through MOC. While the general navigation has been updated to aid this experience, you can always send an email to MOC@abpeds.org for more specific assistance. You may also call us at (919) 929-0461.

How do I fulfill my Part 1 licensure requirement?

Why is the MOC program necessary?

Meeting the requirements of MOC is a commitment to quality and influences better care. The ABP is committed to making MOC a benchmark standard that fulfills multiple requirements for licensing, accreditation, and hospital credentialing. Visit the Maintain Certification page for additional information.

If I choose to participate in the MOC program, will I be recertified?

The term "recertified" is no longer used by the ABP except to document the prior history of a specific pediatrician. Effective January 1, 2010, the ABP recognized two categories of diplomates: those who have permanent certification and those who are certified and have met the current requirements of MOC.

What does the MOC program entail?

Every five years, through the online MOC enrollment process, diplomates will select and pay for only the certification areas they wish to maintain. Once enrolled in MOC, you have five years to fulfill all MOC requirements. These requirements include:

Will I receive Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit for participation in MOC?

Many MOC activities are approved for CME credit, including the secure examination. Please visit the Secure Examination CME Credit page for further information.

What does meeting MOC requirements mean?

For all diplomates who do not hold a permanent certification, meeting MOC requirements means that you are certified by the ABP in that area.

I need to maintain my certification. What is the process?

MOC is a four-part process. To determine your specific requirements and the deadlines for meeting these requirements, log on to My ABP Portfolio.

What is the cost of MOC?

Beginning in 2018, you can pay your five-year enrollment fee at the beginning of each MOC cycle or choose the annual payment option. You choose which certification areas you wish to maintain and only pay for those areas.

Your MOC enrollment fee includes access to ABP-developed activities to help you fulfill your MOC requirements. In additional to MOC points, most ABP-developed activities also award CME credit for no additional charge.

The MOC fees also provide access to MOCA-Peds, our new web-based assessment program to fulfill your Part 3 requirement – allowing you to test as you go, on the go. If you prefer to not participate in MOCA-Peds, you have the option to take the proctored examination at a secure testing center for an additional fee that covers the costs charged by the testing center and associated expenses.

Why is the ABP awarding certificates without an end date?

MOC is a continuous quality that is incorporated into your daily practice. Official documentation of your certification status is available via the ABP website.

Exam

How does the MOC examination differ from the initial certifying examination?

The ABP Board of Directors decided to make the MOC examination more clinically focused rather than focused on topics found in standard reference materials. Approximately 1000 pediatricians provided input regarding the design and content of the general pediatrics MOC examination.

When will I get my examination results?

To determine the timeframe in which you should receive examination results for your particular exam, please visit the MOC Results page.

Why does it take so long to get my examination results?

Routine quality control activities are conducted before releasing results. These measures require several weeks to complete.

Is there a practice examination I can use to prepare for the MOC examination?

Yes. The General Pediatrics Comprehensive Knowledge Self-Assessment (Part 2) activity is designed to serve as practice for the general pediatrics MOC examination. It consists of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions selected from the secure examination question pool. While there is no passing score, it can provide you exposure to content that is comparable to what you will see on the MOC examination. Currently, there are no practice examinations available for subspecialties. You can prepare for the MOC examination by visiting the Content and Preparation pages.

Can I take my exam earlier than when it is due?

Yes. You have the option to test early. Requests should be sent to moc@abpeds.org.

How do I request test accommodations?

The ABP offers reasonable test accommodations for those who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act. Applicants are asked to indicate their intent to request accommodations when completing the applications. Click here for the information about the ABP's policies, including accommodations for a disability, courtesy accommodations for those who need to bring medical devices, medication or comfort aids and extended break time for breastfeeding test candidates.

Part 2 & 4

How long does it take to complete MOC activities?

That depends on the individual and the specific MOC activity that is chosen. For detailed information regarding specific activities, use the Parts 2 & 4 Activity Search within your ABP Portfolio.

I’ve already earned more than 100 activity points. Can those extra points roll-over into my next MOC points cycle?

No. When you complete all of your MOC activity requirements and re-enroll into your next activity cycle, your activity points will reset with “0” base. You’ll then be required to earn 100 points within your new 5-year activity cycle.

How do I receive MOC credit for completion of an approved activity the ABP did NOT develop?

MOC credit is awarded upon receipt of a completion record from the organization that developed the activity. Please call or email the contact person listed on the Activity Profile sheet associated with your specific activity and request to have your completion record forwarded to the ABP.

I am not seeing patients. How can I successfully complete the Improving Professional Practice requirement?

The ABP offers the Virtual QI Learning PIM for physicians not seeing patients. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers EQIPP for individuals who do not see patients. For the list of approved activities, please use the Parts 2 & 4 Activity Search within your ABP Portfolio.

Are MOC points and CME hours equivalent?

No. MOC point values are not based on CME credit hours. MOC point values are assigned by the ABP at the time the activity is approved and does not correlate to CME credit hours.

What if there is no Quality Improvement (QI) activity that meets my practice's needs?

The ABP develops Performance Improvement Modules (PIMs), and is also working with other external organizations to ensure a robust menu of QI activities. For an extensive list of approved activities, please use the Parts 2 & 4 Activity Search within your ABP Portfolio. You and/or your organization may also be able to apply for credit for QI activities that are developed and implemented locally.

I am involved in a local, regional, or national QI initiative. Can I earn MOC credit for my participation?

Use the Parts 2 & 4 Activity Search within your ABP Portfolio to determine if this activity has already been approved by the ABP for MOC credit. If this activity has already been approved, you may be eligible to receive MOC credit. Further information may be obtained through the Activity Contact. Should this activity not be listed as approved, then the institution leading the QI initiative can apply for approval by using the ABP Standards for Quality Improvement Projects Seeking MOC Approval.